A new brand of chocolate boasts of the same nutritional benefits as a bowl full of spinach.
"The reason that Xocai is healthy chocolate is because it's made with unprocessed dark cacao," said Kerry Dean, MXI Corporation.
The manufacturer says Xocai's tiny chocolate squares are more like health food that's rich in antioxidants. It is dark chocolate that has been sweetened with acai and blueberry juices.
"One of our nuggets, which is one of these beautiful little things here, is equal to half a pound of spinach, in antioxidant value," Dean claimed. "Or 3 cups of blueberries or four pounds of tomatoes."
What may be even more alluring about the Xocai chocolate is its possible role in weight loss.
"Reduces your cravings for carbohydrates -- bread, pasta when you go out for dinner," according to Debbie Fields, a Xocai Distributor. "I've lost about 7 or 8 pounds being on this product."
Xocai isn't sold in stores. Instead, it reaches customers through network marketing at home parties.
But nutritionists caution against buying into the idea of a miracle food, saying chocolate should not be a substitute for fruits and vegetables.
"It's probably a bigger claim than what we're delivering, " Lisa Cohn, nutritionist. "Fresh foods, products that are made with fresh ingredients that taste delicious can also impart great nutritional science."
Fans of Xocai say, the product is the best way to deliver those nutrients, and it doesn't hurt to make money in the process.
